Rahul Gandhi Prioritizes Restoration of Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir

Rahul Gandhi emphasized the Congress and INDIA Bloc's priority to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Gandhi expressed deep relations with the region, promising support and highlighting the historic downgrade from a state to a Union Territory.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday reaffirmed that the Congress and the INDIA Bloc prioritize restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Congress president emphasized his party's aim to ensure the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are reinstated.

"It is our priority and also of the INDIA Bloc to restore statehood in J-K as soon as possible. We had hoped this could be done before the elections, but it is okay as elections have been declared. It is a step forward, and we are hopeful that statehood and democratic rights will be restored soon," Gandhi said during a press conference after interacting with party workers.

Gandhi spoke of his deep connection with the people of J-K, assuring them of the Congress's continued support.

"My message to the people of J-K is that whatever way we can help you, the Congress party is always there. We understand that you are going through a very tough period. We want to remove violence," he said.

Referring to his Bharat Jodo Yatra, which concluded in J-K, Gandhi stated, "We wish to open 'shops of love in a market of hate,' fostering respect and brotherhood." He noted that this is the first instance since Independence where a state has been downgraded to a Union Territory (UT).

"This has never happened before. UTs have become states, but this is the first time a state has been made a UT. Our national manifesto clearly prioritizes ensuring the democratic rights of the people of J-K and Ladakh," he added.

Alongside party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi discussed grassroots-level preparations for the upcoming assembly polls with Congress leaders and workers.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)